Snap Shot in Time

-Dayton is 7 and is in 2nd grade. He loves to help others, is full of giggles and has a well developed sense of humor. He does great in school and loves being at HP. He's an all star reader and his teacher gave him rave reviews last week at parent/teacher conferences. He's friendly, polite and he STILL lets me cuddle him like a little guy. I'm super proud of that kid!

-Ellie is 6 and is in 1st grade. She loves to learn and is at the top of her class, which is a great feat given that she is the youngest and the smallest. She's adopted well to gluten free living and is quite the little socialite. She reads like nobodies business and recently stated that she is going to be a teacher when she grows up. I love that she is blooming all over the place!

-Kayla is 7 and is in first grade. She has transitioned really well to a new school and also attending a full day program. She has play dates at her Grandma's house with her school friends and is full of all kinds of questions around every corner. She's the quiet care giver in the family and makes sure everything is always equal and fair. She's tall and man can that girl swim!

-Adi is 15 months old. She is obsessed with putting things away and feels entitled to any and all drinks in a cup with a straw. She is a strong willed little girl with a mind of her own and walks, some times runs! Rarely does she sit still and she can always be seen toting around a stuffed animal. She loves to try to dress herself & she's just hoping to get some hair in the next 3 years!

On the B Side: Tonight Mark and I watched videos of the kids when they were little. I can't believe how much they have changed and wish I could just freeze time for a few moments...or just keep them little forever! <3

Monster-ocity of an Update

Yes, it is sad. I have fallen off of the blog wagon and this is my feeble attempt at climbing back up! Let's start by pushing REWIND.

The first Saturday in January brought the baptism of our niece Elise (aka 'big Ellie'). She had her smiley dimples out in full force and was a picture of purity. I love the warm spirit present at such events and will forever remember her standing up on a chair after the ordinance as a 'perfect person' free from everything bad, radiating everything good.
Here she is with my father-in-law and his darling wife (and my dear friend) Cynthia. This day was a day of happiness and deep reflection.

The following day (which was the first Sunday of January) brought more joy to our family. It was the day Adalie was given a name and a blessing. My Father-in-law did the honor in our home ward and did a beautiful job of serving as the Lord's mouth piece. Interestingly enough, during the blessing I heard a baby crying and wasn't able to clearly hear much of the blessing. I was wondering why a parent would not take a fussy child out of the Chapel during our special event. Um, I suppose I should think nicer thoughts....Cliff (FIL) indicated that it was ADI!!! Here she is in her beautiful dress...hand made with love by Grandma Sugar!

Dayton was busy playing Jr. Jazz in West Jordan. His Uncle Bryan was his coach and his cousin Neal was on the team. This was his second season playing and he did a great job! His little face was so intense and he really had a blast! I can promise you that he was the only player skipping up and down the court and I loved watching him throw his little skinny 6 year old arms in the air to play defense! He shot the ball a few times and was one proud little man when he got a medal at the end of the season.

Here are the girls in their scarves (yes, I am now a knitter!). Kayla has the cutest little A-line hair cut thanks to her Aunt Mindy. She has been doing really well at her new school and is happy to be back spending time with her Grandma in the afternoons. She has been seeing her tutor each week and progressing quickly with the assistance. I love watching her confidance level increase as she learns. She stayed with us last week while her Mom was travelling and we really enjoyed having her with us.

Someday Ellie will be quite unhappy with the moment we captured here. However, she has been learning to read and it's really clicked for her. She loves it so much that yes, she reads on the toilet so much in fact that she posed for this picture! She is the youngest in her kindergarten class simply because she didn't meet the cut off date. Given that we put her in a private school we were able to circumvent the school district for now. Even being a year behind the others chronologically, she still pushes to the top of her class! We are very proud of her. She refuses to ski with Dayton and my Mom because she insists that it is too dangerous. She is however taking tap and ballet. She is one of the oldest in her dance class yet remains one of the smallest as she prepares for her recital this spring!

While Adi is far from being able to tell any secrets, she is also far from the quiet little girl sleeping in this picture! She is one busy little monkey and hit the 7 month mark on 2/19. She rolls all over the place and is rather aggressive in her pursuit! She is able to sit, reach out for people and will click her tongue in response to you when you click your tongue. She does NOT like to lay down and is quite the rubber necker. Curiousity will never kill her cat! She loves to smile, giggle and has a slight (very slight!) dusting of hair.

It is hard to believe that we have FOUR kids! We are blessed and we feel it. The days go fast and the time passes quickly. They each have different schedules and are in different places during the day. It is a lot to keep up with and certainly keeps us on our toes! All of them together make for a lot of noise complete with giggles, laughter and tears! They do a great job plaing together most of the time and Adi really does complete the circle that is our family!


Here is a blurry snap taken on Superbowl Sunday at my Sister-in-law Jenny's. The fact that it is a blur is only representative of the sheer chaos they all cause together! They are all different ages with different interests but they always have a great time together. Leah and Adi are in the center (only 2 weeks apart) and yes, Adi is very unhappy. We all had a great time and no, I did not watch one minute of the game but enjoyed the get together!

The other item of note was Valentine's Day and while I do not have a picture to document our evening, we did have a really great time. Mark and I went out on Friday the 13th. We took our little Adi Cakes with us and had a really nice steak dinner. Afterwards we went shopping and Mark got me the most darling black patton leather purse/laptop bag! We also picked out some more dishes together to further complete our Fiesta obsession! It was a really simple evening and I just enjoyed being with my Marky.

On the B Side: I love our family, all of our family! There is one special event that I have not highlighted simply because there is much elaboration that I would like to add and it goes hand in hand with a special announcement. Those two pieces of information will be forth coming. In the mean time my Dad is set to arrive on Friday and I will be leaving for Philly on Saturday. With a little bit of luck, my good pal Krystal will join me during my business trip to the hood!!

Wordless Wednesday: The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same

On the B Side: Is there ever anything wordless about my Wednesdays?! Really is there anything wordless about any of my days? I'm sure if Mark had his own Top 5 Pet Peeve list about me, the fact that I talk too much would be upon it!

Friday's Fab Five

Yes, it's that time again! Here's this week's highlights dedicated to the ones I love;

1. Adi can roll from her tummy to her back! Yeah, that's right. Cause' that's how my girl rolls...

2. Dayton has been keeping his hands to himself at school and has had 3 great days in a row! It's tough when you're 6. I love seeing that kid put his mind to something and work towards it!

3. Kayla started with her tutor and loves it! This is really going to help her and also help us help her. Nothing feels as satisfying as progress and accomplishment. She's on her way!

4. Ellie's super attentive, independent, secure and passionate side has been ignited by her ballet/tap class. I love to see that girl flourish! The smiles are endless and she just beams.

5. Mark is a kinder, gentler man. No idea what has caused the softening but I did love seeing his tears well up at Glenn Beck's presentation of the Christmas Sweater. Sigh.

On the B Side: A huge storm is blowing in again today. It's Friday with the weekend on it's way in as well. I'm home in my jams with the babe working away. We're snuggled up in warm blankets with German pancakes in the oven with Christmas around the corner. Survey says: Perfection! (spoken with a French accent!)

Friday's Fab Five

1. My bff from many moons ago and I reconnected this week. Reunited and it feels so good!

2. Christmas shopping is just about complete. BOO YA!

3. Not only did I get to chat with my Cynthia but I had some serious face time. AW YEAH!

4. DD Cakes is doing really, really well at school. Sigh.

5. Ellie got to take 'Sumi' home from school this weekend. It really is the simple things in life.

On the B Side: I am so excited for the weekend. I've done a ton of thinking lately about life and such and I'm feeling really good and ever so thankful. xxox

Forget Wordless Wednesday

Yeah, homie don't play that...at least not today as I have waaaay too much to say. Quiet is not in my diet! There is much to share and a few questions to pose. Let's start there...

I need a new skin care regimen. Suggestions? I'm over Clinique. Don't wanna pay for Estee. Not an Oil of Olay kind of gal and thinking I'll pass on Mary Kay. Considering Origins again. Help a sister out...

Next question...

What's better than finding money in the wash? Finding a totaly fab shirt that you bought and forgot about! It was a happy day in my home yesterday for this simple reason.

I heart MAC and the latest and greatest grabs I got. Thanks to my favorite Red Vixen!!! Now Submarine and Pen n' Pink can retire but they will be mine for-EV-er!!!!

I realize that my blogroll is gone. It was intentional...simply because I'm laaaaazy. I'll fix it after the holidays when I'm ready to roll with a new layout! I'm actually trashing the blogroll page element, sticking with an HTML element and iGoogle (I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!).

Yesterday Betty Beans had my phone to call her Popcicle. When I asked her what she was up to she told me, "Mom, I have it under control". Um, yeah. She's 5 and she kiiiiiills me (and so does her new alter ego, Mr. Elliot with the throaty-wanna-be-British-accent!!!)

Mic's fresh blood has never been so good and no, that is not yet another Twilight reference (but Carlisle can be my doc anytime!)! She and Grandpa Mikey pulled off a flawless Thanksgiving dinner. The best part? We get to keep her (Mic, not the turkey!)!!! Is it sick that I'm still dreaming of her cheese ball and to-die-for rolls???

DD Cakes starts up Jr. Jazz again and it will be so good to keep that little monkey busy! He's reading like a rock star which translated means that I can no longer spell things out in his presence, DANG IT. He also gets up in the middle of the night to go potty and is working the CPAP like it ain't nobodies business. Aw yeah, baby.

Two Scoops had one heck of a sleeping streak last night. BAM. How you like me now? She is seriously the cutest little bug, pretty much EVER. No confirmation needed but thanks.

Have I mentioned how reakin' tall K Mo has gotten?! The girl is taller (and blonder) than anyone else in her class AND she looks killer in her Christmas garb!!! You go, girl.

My Dad is seriously DA BOMB and one of these days (when he stops saving the world and neglecting poor lil' ol' me in the process!!!) he will make a guest appearance on my blog at which point in time Mr. Wonderful will make his debut appearance in the blogosphere! BAD DAD!!!

We're ramping up to ski season and I'm pretty sure my Momma-cita and DD Cakes are counting down until the moment they can steal away...it's so tempting for me even at my ripe old age! However, I will take the warm lodge and yummy hot coco over the bone aching chill that thrashes my joints.

Does anyone have any idea how delish the K-Sa-Dilla's are at Shell's? If you don't know then you are severely disadvantaged!!! Sorry to hear 'bout that.

I'm all torn up inside about the new job and need some serious direction. Seeking such tonight and it will be time well spent on my knees (no nasty jokes here, Rory and yes I still hate you for your Rockefeller locale!!!)

Suddenly the world of Sarah seems so much clearer. Aw, the strangeness has all but vanished and wow, does it feel good?! Would someone please insert the Milli Vanilli dance here? No pulling hamstrings, please.

Is anyone really funnier than Lorevis?! I mean, the note from God about Bruno's eye pretty much takes the cake. I hope Adi never cries at her again!!!! You so need to post that Aunt Looori.

What are the chances that I would pull up RIGHT NEXT TO THE COOLEST HANSON EVER? Pretty slim but yes, it happened in the middle of our metropolis that is the greater SLC area. Does that make me the stalker pal? No worries, Carrie. I never dug 'Single White Female'.

One of these days Laura and Kristin will remember to grant me access to their blogs. Let this stand as yet another feeble attempt to remind you lovely ladies. Until then I will love you from afar!

Clancy Pants, my darling. You do so have the BEST cookie recipe in the history of the world. It makes me miss you even more! Oh, and I heard YOUR song again on the radio. BONUS! Mmm Mmm good across the board!!!!

Kaci, where have you gone, my favorite work emailing friend?! Perhaps you are drowning yourself in something yummy from Starbucks or maybe you are knee high in tofu. Either way I MISS YOU and I still can't bring myself to reconcile with Boca!

Lisa, you are my new favorite friend! Your post 'To Tell or Not to Tell' is killing me! Seriously? Seriously. She is my latest follower. Chech her blogginess out, fo shizzle!

Ivana, I hate you for making me crave pumpkin rolls. Surely your recipe is free of fat, sugar and calories, right? I heard that everything this season is but I wanted to make sure...

Kougie, you'll always be my hand maid. Where art thou? Oh wait, it's my turn to come up there. I so owe you one! Whoa, and I am way stoked about your GREAT news! Jesus really does love you!

Lizzo, legos are not your friend. The sooner you learn this kind of thing, the better. Church is no longer for listening. Someone should write a book about all of this. Let me know how that works out for you. I heard you were perfect for the job (and it has nothing to do with the black thing you wore that one time!)

So have I mentioned what a great helper Marky Mark is on the home front. Um yeah. Dishes, garbage, kiddos (yes, all 4 of them) AND he minimizes all of the crap stacks around this joint. Remember that one time he stood in line to pay my ticket for me this week?! It's like those crazy Mormons say, CARRY ON! Which reminds me, the kids were absolutely fabulous at Church on Sunday AND we were early. It's like that movie (except completely different), 'LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL'!!!!

I have dinner in the crock pot, a date with ginger bread house #2 tonight, dinner with a bunch of Stott's tomorrow night, face time with Laura and Lori Saturday and time slotted with THE Krystal and Amanda the Toad. Could I bet any luckier?! The only thing that would make my world complete is a BIG FAT NAP! Oh and no nightmares, please.

(ps - I'm too busy to hyperlink, maybe later, sorry!)

On the B Side: There is tons of great stuff going on and I have the pics to prove it! Voila!!!

Captain Underpants! Tra Laa Laaaaa!

Moony B's busted Grandpa Mikey sleeping! Auntie Mic and our Squishy Bug pucker up!
You know your infant is tired when....
Kayla pretending to sleep! Busted!
Uncle Jazzy and Auntie Mic pose with our pumpkin heads! DD Cakes gives The Grateful Ed some lovin'

Take that Joe Gay!
Bunch of cheesers on TG day!
Zerbert!

Mr. Elliot's first appearance!

Boo Boo reads to Adalie and Ba Fark
4 Little Indians

It's the most wonderful time of year! Love to all!! XXOX

Flesh for LuLu Sang It Best...

"I Go Crazy When I'm Without You". This is not any kind of wonderful! On the B Side: Luckily they are far more resilient than myself. 4 more days after today. Hurry home soon my Moonie B's. XXOXO

This Month in Pictures

I've fallen painfully behind! Here is a glimpse into our life since September has begun! We hung out at Marcy and Jeff's. Between our 2 families we have 8 kids! Here are the 6 oldest; Carter, McKayla, Elise, Noah, Dayton and Ellianne.
Ellie loves to stop and pose for the camera!
Kayla stops playing to smiling for the camera!
Dayton strikes a pose and makes a silly face!
Dayton got this Mr. Incredible costume when he was 4. He is now 6 and still wears it...with is Hulk crocs. This pose was his own making!
Ellie was all curls for picture day at school!

Kayla and her Kindergarten curls!

Adi has graduated from the sink to the tub!

My bestest bud Rebecca at work spent some time with us.

Dayton is on a soccer team with his cousin Neal. I caught him mid-air in this one!

Dayton and Neal at their first game last week. They are too cute!Ellie and Kayla started school after Labor Day. They are both in an all day private Kindergarten together. Kayla is the tallest and Ellie is the smallest!

On the B Side: September is flying by! I am absolutely in love with Fall and the kids are excited about Halloween already! Despite our day to day struggles there is much happiness in our lives.

MAC is Back!

Oh yes. It's true. MAC is back! My amazing make up and myself are reunited and it feels so good! Lingy, I love you and I am sorry. I started back to the office on Monday and must confess that I worked myself up in vain. I sat in my chair first the first time in two months and thought about everything that has changed and it's sheer craziness. The best part? I LOVE IT!

Despite my complete and total sleep deprivation I feel energized. I feel alive and I feel happy. Things always work out and the fear of moving forward and stepping into that darkness is overwhelming. The uncertainty and the unknown can be all consuming. Once you are able to look back you know that you were safe all along and that hope was always shining brightly. THE PASSWORD IS COURAGE.

Adi is beautiful, amazing and loved by all! Mark's ex wife's Mother tends her. I know, weird right? BUT it works and it works well! So far, so good. She is smiling voluntarily and has the prettiest and petitest little features! She only cries when she is hungry and she doesn't mess around in that circumstance. She finally hit 9 lbs and is healthy...such a huge, huge blessing!

Dayton is a little 1st grade rock star! He reads like a mo fo and plays soccer like he was born to ball! Ah, that boy warms my heart and soon his ski season will be upon us. Snow Basin with Grandma Mikey is his gig and I am as excited for him as he is excited to ski! He's stuck with the CPAP despite the fact that he hates it. He is a smart little dude with a heart of gold. ROCK ON.

Ellie has started private all day Kindergarten. Her uniform eliminates MANY battles and she's as cute as ever! She is gearing up for her 5th birthday party at Sweet and Sassy and is all kinds of stoked! She's like a little mini teenager. She does hug and kiss DD every morning before my Mom picks him up and always waves goodbye as they drive off! Sooooo dang PRECIOUS! She's full of fire and has a personality the size of Texas!

McKayla is in Kindergarten with Beans. She has adjusted suburbly to her teacher and her new classmates! She is a great listener and is now with us every morning. It is so crazy good to see her daily and be a bigger part of her little life! This also allows her to see the baby more and keeps her feeling more connected with us. She's finished swimming and is back in Dance and Baton. She is such a good, good girl and always make sure everyone is okay, included and feel important and loved.

On the B Side: It feels good to feel so happy. My life is so far from perfect but is so incredibly blessed!!!

Organized Chaos?

This was the image visibile as you came through our front door yesterday. I had to remind myself that the mess below is merely a sign that our house is lived in and loved in but I can't say it made me feel any better. The girls had strategically picked toys, carried them upstairs and created some sort of imaginary life. They had a great time but clean up was no fun for any of us!

Yesterday the girls (ravioli faces and all!) had a blast with an empty box of copy paper! It was some version of Speedracer and kept them occupied for quite a while! Forget all of the expensive toys! This was all they needed...who knew?!

This afternoon Dayton had finished his homework (and quite a bit of it since he missed a few days last week!) and was watching his favorite show; Ben 10. Ellie was 'feeding' her My Little Pony baby and Adi was laying on a blanket on the floor near them. I stepped out of the room for less than 2 minutes and came back to this vision of forbidden giggles...

I love that the kids love the baby but we've had some pretty strict rules about holding her, playing near her and that kind of thing. They know that they are not to pick her up but it was hard to be upset with Dayton and Ellie as they hovered over her and held her close!

On the B Side: My life feels a lot like that first picture looks. It's kind of organized chaos or something along those lines. My immune system is in overdrive and that pretty much stinks so I am anxiously awaiting results from my Doc given that they took like a gallon of blood out last week! Thank you for the call today Kristin. It was refreshing, welcomed and needed! Sorry I had to run given Adi's cries. We took her to the Doc again last night given her tummy issues. I start back to work on the 8th and hope that our lives have some semblance of structure and organization at that point!!!

Mama I'm Coming Home

My Puumpkin heads are coming home today! YAY! This is DD working on his homework! He's so good about doing it and makes me proud!
Here is Boo Boo cuddling up with Lee Lee!
Deedleton is so good about helping out with our little Adi Cakes!

Betty Beans dressed herself and then parked herself next to Adi and in front of the tv!

On the B Side: I am so excited to have them home again!